Navy to study noise of new Whidbey jets

The Navy plans to prepare an environmental impact statement on the effect of basing EA-18G radar-jamming Growler jets at the Whidbey Island Naval Air Station, replacing the EA-6B Prowlers that have called the island home since the 1970s.

The Daily Herald reports community meetings on what should be included in the study are scheduled for Dec. 3 at Coupeville High School, Dec. 4 at Oak Harbor High School and Dec. 5 at Anacortes Middle School.

The Navy issued a notice last week of its intent to assess the impact of operations at the air station and the Coupeville Outlying Field.

In July, the group Citizens of the Ebey's Reserve for a Safe, Healthy and Peaceful Environment filed a lawsuit seeking the study because of jet noise levels.